Description
A comforting and easy-to-make classic French onion soup featuring caramelized onions simmered in beef broth, topped with toasted baguette slices and melted Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds (about 3) yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated white sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 whole bay leaf
Toppings
- 8 slices baguette
- 4 ounces (1 cup) grated Gruyere cheese
- 1 ounce (1/4 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- fresh thyme for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil, sliced onions, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft, lightly browned, and caramelized, about 30 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Flour: Stir in salt, pepper, and flour, cooking while stirring for 1 minute to incorporate and slightly thicken the mixture.
- Simmer Soup: Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaf. Increase heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- Toast Baguette: Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until they are lightly browned and crisp.
- Assemble Bowls: Ladle the hot soup into 4 oven-safe bowls. Place two toasted baguette slices on top of each bowl, then sprinkle with grated Gruyere and Parmesan cheese evenly over the bread.
- Broil Cheese: Set the bowls on a rimmed baking sheet and place under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme if desired and serve immediately while hot and bubbly.
Notes
- Cook the onions slowly to properly caramelize and develop deep flavor.
- Use oven-safe bowls for broiling the cheese topping to avoid breakage.
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor, though traditional French onion soup uses beef broth.
- Be careful not to burn the baguette slices under the broiler; watch closely.
- Fresh thyme adds a nice aromatic garnish but is optional.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: French onion soup, caramelized onion soup, easy French soup, classic French onion soup, Gruyere cheese soup, broiled cheese soup
